Archive | April 2015

Fast Enterprises


About Fast Enterprises

  • GenTax product
  • Combination of consulting and tech essentially
  • be open to relocation every 2-5 years
  • some international options

Career Tips

  • Start early
    • budget your time
    • broaden your search
      • every company out there probably needs people in software
      • don’t only look at software specific companies
      • be adaptable
    • browse the career fair guide to see what companies you would like to take to
      • there is usually a career fair guide
      • research beforehand to decide where you want to go and map it out
    • probably don’t want to go to every single booth if they don’t have what they are looking for
    • start to think as a professional, update your voicemail, social media, etc
      • don’t post something you wouldn’t want your grandma to see
      • be professional in your emails
        • use complete sentences
        • correct capitalization
    • even as a freshman it is good to go to the career fair and make connections even if you don’t have a resume yet
    • keep track of the companies you talk to and positions apply to
      • could use an excel document or a notebook
      • print out the job description of what you apply for
  • Networking
    • utilize all opportunities
      • don’t be afraid to talk to people
    • friends, relatives, neighbors
      • don’t just ask for a job
      • show interest in the company: I’m really interested in what you do, it would be great if you would tell me more about it!
    • broadcast yourself
      • connect on LinkedIn too
    • even if you aren’t sure that you will want a position, it’s good for practice
    • getting started is the hardest part
  • Research
    • watch for areas in high demand
    • utilize company websites
      • find out as much info as you can before meeting with them
      • make sure the company is also a good fit for you
      • look at reviews too – glassdoor
    • search all medias
      • facebook, instagram, twitter
  • Be proactive
    • contact employers
      • fine line with this
      • don’t overwhelm them
    • check back
      • good to reconnect if see new things with the company
      • explain that still interested
        • don’t do this TOO often though
      • explain what have been working on recently
      • be respectful of these employees time
        • never burn bridges
    • continue to build your network
  • Different companies will have different opinions, so take everything with a grain of salt
    • Sample outline
      • contact information
        • be sure it is up to date and you can be reached
      • objective statement
        • only use if have a reason for it
        • not just I’m a senior looking for a full-time software development position
    • Education
      • Where you go
      • When you graduate
      • Major/Minor
      • Include GPA if over 3.0
    • Work Experience
      • it’s okay if it doesn’t relate specifically to the job
      • handling customers, working in a team, can help
    • Accomplishments/skills
      • want to know the tech skills that you have
      • okay to include even if a beginner
        • show proficiency
    • Optional Topics if have extra space
      • honors/publications
      • hobbies/interests
      • professional memberships
      • extracurricular activities
    • Tailor the resume to the job you want
      • headings, titles, etc.
      • organize specifically for the employer
    • Make it stand out
      • re-arrange sections to accentuate your skills
      • eye catching at first glance
      • not too much going on though
    • Sell yourself
      • quantify your accomplishments
      • sell the benefits of your skills
    • Analyze the job descriptions
      • identify key words
      • identify and solve the employer’s needs
    • Prioritize Content
      • Organize statements by importance
      • utilize lists and be brief, but accurate
    • Create an Image
      • your resume directly reflects you
      • don’t be afraid to personalize
        • read your audience though
    • Don’t need to put relevant courses on resume
      • could include a special team project though
    • Don’t need to include the References available upon request
    • Probably should list tangible related skills
      • not necessarily list flexible, prompt, etc
    • Resume should be one page – with a new hire
  • Cover letters
    • sort of company by company
    • maybe use to get them to read your resume essentially
    • definitely is not a negative thing
    • don’t make it too wordy
    • don’t just repeat everything from resume, should add to the resume in some way
  • Career Fair Day
    • Dress
      • one chance to make a first impression
    • dress for the job you want
    • Approaching the booth
      • hand shake
      • confidence
        • eye contact
      • have an introduction
        • have an elevator pitch
    • Leaving the booth
      • ask for contact information
      • keep yourself organized
        • write a note maybe as you walk away so you remember
      • know next steps
        • ask what the next thing to do to apply is
  • Interview
    • Plan Ahead
      • research the company
      • have your facts ready
      • arrive early and look your best
    • Be positive
      • project energy and enthusiasm
      • utilize eye contact
      • be sincere and truthful
    • Adapt
      • be sensitive to the style of the interviewer
      • relate to the interviewer and the company
        • people like to talk about themselves, maybe ask some questions if you find something in common
      • integrate answers that pertain to the company
        • be able to tell them what you know about the company
        • what sort of other research have you done on the company – want you to be serious about the company
    • Ask Questions
      • show interest in the company
      • use these to focus your responses
      • make sure the company is right for you
  •  Post Interview
    • Gather information
      • inquire about the timeline
      • collect contact info
      • always know the next steps before leaving
    • Send a thank you
      • a quick letter or email
      • show professionalism
      • another way to stand out
        • shows you prioritize
        • extra interest
  • Start their search in September if graduating in May
  • Look in the summer if graduating in December
  • FAST has about a 4-6 week turnaround